Advisors
- Dr. Gregory Bentsen — Assistant Professor of Physics, William & Mary
- Dr. Ebubechukwu Ilo-Okeke — Assistant Professor of Physics, William & Mary
- Dr. Christian Boutan — Physicist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Where Quantum Students Meet National Purpose
Quantum is poised to shape the next technological era. For students, that means uncommon opportunity, broader responsibility, and preparation beyond the lab.
Quantum is out of the lab. Quantum computing companies are now traded on public markets, and McKinsey reports that more than 300 global companies are adopting quantum computing, with the technology projected to create up to $2.7 trillion in economic value worldwide by 2035.
In April 2026, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, renewing and expanding the federal government’s commitment to American leadership in quantum information science and technology. Then, in June, the White House put an exclamation point on that commitment with an executive order directing federal agencies to align around America’s quantum strategy.
Agencies are now updating quantum strategy, planning for private-sector partnerships, strengthening supply-chain policy, developing quantum workforce efforts, and preparing for the broader arrival of quantum technologies across science, industry, and national security.
For students studying physics and other quantum-related fields, we are watching from our labs as the machinery of American industry, finance, governance, and national security turns its attention toward our field.
Are we prepared?
Prepared to become part of a scarce class of subject-matter experts in a field that is not waiting for the workforce pipeline to widen. As quantum-knowledgeable students entering the workforce near the cusp of the quantum revolution, we may be asked over the course of our careers to take on roles that would ordinarily not be available to us. Before we retire, quantum-knowledgeable students may be asked to advise on policy, answer national security questions, lead quantum divisions inside companies, help build emerging-technology organizations, and educate a new generation of quantum engineers and scientists.
The National Quantum Student Consortium exists to prepare students knowledgeable in QIST for the widening future of a field expanding far beyond academic research. We connect member students with professionals across the broader quantum ecosystem, including policymakers, national and economic security experts, investors, industry leaders, and innovators.
About Us
The National Quantum Student Consortium helps students understand the ecosystem surrounding their research, expand professional opportunities, and prepare for roles across research, policy, business, and national security.
NQSC increases the value of a STEM education by giving students a platform to connect with employers, learn directly from leaders across the quantum ecosystem, and build a professional network beyond their home institution. Members will have opportunities to meet industry leaders, government officials, investors, policymakers, national security professionals, and experienced researchers whose work is shaping the future of quantum information science and technology.
The organization also gives members a voice in the policymaking process by helping them connect with lawmakers and advocate for policies that strengthen the stability, growth, and strategic capacity of the industry they are preparing to enter.
NQSC is a professional-development supplement for driven undergraduate and graduate students. It serves as a central hub for networking, employer engagement, leadership and communication development, policy education, and participation in the continued flourishing of American scientific and intellectual life.
Program Focus
- Connect undergraduate and graduate students in QIST and related fields with policymakers, industry leaders, national security experts, investors, and economic policy leaders.
- Prepare students already working in QIST for the policy, business, national-security, and economic dimensions of the quantum revolution.
- Strengthen career pathways beyond traditional technical training.
- Advocate for policies that support American quantum leadership, workforce development, industrial capacity, and trusted supply chains.
Membership Application
NQSC is application-based in order to create a close, engaged environment for our members and the professionals who meet with them. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying QIST or quantum-related fields, including physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, materials science, and related disciplines.
To apply, please submit a brief informal statement introducing yourself, your work or interests in QIST, and what draws you to NQSC. Applicants may describe a quantum-related policy issue they care about, a professional question they hope to explore, or a nontechnical dimension of the quantum ecosystem they would like to better understand. Possible topics include quantum policy, national security, cybersecurity, supply chains, commercialization, workforce development, federal funding, or the role of emerging quantum companies.
Applications will remain open until the first cohort is filled.
Questions our students may bring directly to professionals across the quantum ecosystem:
- How is sound policy developed in relation to quantum science and technology?
- How can the United States build and maintain a quantum supply chain that strengthens American economic competitiveness?
- What is the impact of quantum computing on national security and cybersecurity?
- How does the CEO of a quantum computing company lead an emerging-technology company?
- How does federal funding shape the direction of QIST research and commercialization?
Leadership
Leadership
- Nicholas Koval — President, Founder
- Sam Bevins — Vice President
Connect with the National Quantum Student Consortium
Students, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and potential partners are invited to connect with NQSC.